A distribution centre that services Morrisons stores has opened in Bury – creating 60 jobs.

Bosses of the chilled food store facility, at Bury Point, in Radcliffe, told the M.E.N. they are looking to ramp up to servicing 17 outlets by

Christmas and eventually boost the headcount to more than 100 people.

New jobs will be in both the warehouse and transport operations.

Service providers Wincanton are operating the 150,000 sq ft site on behalf of Morrisons.

The site will distribute products to the growing number of Morrisons M local convenience stores in the north of England, a key part of the company’s expansion plans.

A spokesman for Morrisons said: “We currently have 60 people working there. And we’re looking to ramp up to servicing 17 stores from the distribution centre by Christmas, with 85 colleagues at the site. But we will eventually create more than 100 jobs for the local area.”

The self contained warehouse facility is situated on a nine-acre site close to three motorway junctions – junctions two and three of the M66 and junction 17 of the M60.

Recruitment for the new positions at the centre, which will have the potential to supply more than 100 stores in the north of England, began in July.

The spokesman for Morrisons said its M locals dedicate more space to fresh food in comparison to its competitors, focusing on fruit and vegetables, bakery, meat and fish.

Eric Born, chief executive of Wincanton, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with Morrisons with this five year contract.

“Over the last 18 months, we have seen our market share grow as we broaden our service offering in the UK retail sector.”